Master’s in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs
Online PMHNP programs can offer you a flexible way to enter this fast-growing, profitable, and rewarding field. Explore career paths and outlooks in this guide.
Explore online PMHNP programsWhy earn an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner master's?
Join a fast-growing field
Access job stability and diverse career opportunities that the in-demand mental health field can provide.
Work with specific populations
Learn the latest in psychiatric mental health care through flexible, online classes.
Prepare for a specialized career
Gain real-world experience and training to prepare you for your future as a PMHNP.
Explore online PMHNP programs
Online master's in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs can prepare you for a specialized advanced nursing career caring for patients with mental health conditions. Discover the admissions requirements, curriculum, licensure requirements, and salary potential for PMNHPs.
What jobs can you get with an online master's in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
Graduates of an online master's in PMHNP program can pursue careers in various settings.
After earning your degree, you must apply for state licensure and pass the PMNHP national board certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The requirements for licensure vary by state but usually include proof of a master's degree from an accredited program, supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the board exam.
After earning your license, you can expect to work in the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Community mental health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Schools
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Nursing homes
PMHNP's diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, develop treatment plans, and provide psychotherapy. These professionals usually work with patients with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
The scope of practice varies by state. PMHNPs may practice independently in some states but require collaboration with or supervision by a physician in others. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners monitors the state practice environment for NPs across the U.S.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the mean annual salary for nurse practitioners as $128,490, or $60.70 per hour, in 2023. Several factors can influence your salary, including your geographical location, experience, certifications and specializations, work setting, and employers.
California, Nevada, and Washington reported the highest mean salaries for NPs at $161,540, $148,670, and $145,400 respectively. However, Florida, California, Texas, and New York reported the highest employment levels of NPs.
Career outlook for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners
According to the BLS, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife roles are expected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033. This is far faster than the projected 4% for all occupations. The Bureau also reports that, across the decade, 141,200 jobs will be added to the field.
Nurse practitioners are the third fastest-growing occupation, just behind solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine service technicians. Several factors may have a significant influence on the increasing need for PMHNPs, including:
- The rising prevalence of mental health disorders
- Shortage of mental health professionals
- Substance use and the opioid epidemic
- Increasing use of telemedicine
- Growing emphasis on preventive care
What can you learn in an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program?
In an online PMHNP program, students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health disorders.
These master's programs usually require you to complete 35 to 50 credits, during which you'll learn about evidence-based care and ethical decision-making in psychiatric practice.
Program core concepts include:
- Psychiatric assessment
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychotherapy techniques
You'll also learn to help your clients manage mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
PMHNP practicum requirements may vary based on the program, but you must meet 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours to be eligible for the certification examination.
During practicum, you can gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals in diverse work settings such as hospitals and mental health clinics. Clinical training can help you develop competencies in patient care and meet certification and licensure requirements.
Online format
Accredited online master's programs typically have in-person requirements for clinical practicums. These hands-on experiences can help you develop the necessary skills to meet licensure requirements. You must coordinate your local clinical rotations with your online PMHNP online program.
Some programs may also require you to attend mandatory on-campus sessions for simulation labs and assessments. Be sure to check individual program listings for specific requirements.
Admissions requirements for an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner master's degree
Admissions requirements for an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner master's program typically include a combination of academic qualifications and professional experience.
Most PMHNP programs require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution, an active, unencumbered RN license, and at least one year of professional nursing experience. While any nursing experience can be applicable, experience in psychiatric nursing is the most relevant.